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I've spoken to several people who were only going to have the lap band but in the end had gastric bypass because it's easier in the long run. Thoughts.

I know, when I think of long term----- I'm 42 now and I just think about when I'm in my 60's and beyond--- who knows really. Tough choice.

That's great. I was afraid I would have to go monthly or 3-4 times in 6 months and that wouldn't really work for me. I understand in the beginning I will go more frequently but with living 3 hours away I couldn't possibly keep driving there. Thanks a bunch for answering.

I'm just curious about something. I notice most people who have had about the same amount of weight to lose like myself(75 lbs) lose it in a year and I am thinking if I really stuck to another WW plan I probably could do the same thing in a years time. Heck I lost 50 in 7 months with WW but because I am a compulsive overeater I stopped working the plan. I'm also thinking that maybe because I am a compulsive overeater this band won't make a difference if my emotional eating doesn't stop. Problem is I don't ever last that long but I'm thinking I am about to go thru with this surgery and the results would be the same IF I would do what I was suppose to do on a plan. Hope I am making sense. Any thoughts on this? TIA

Thanks for replying but I meant I was looking for a bariatric/vascular/ for the surgery.

I should have asked this first before posting earlier. Anyone know/recommend an Atlanta physician with a GREAT reputation.

So besides searching the internet how do you find a reputable surgeon if you have to go out of town? I've found a lot of drs. but I want someone with a good reputation and that is hard to do when you don't live in the same city. I'm having to go to Atlanta(3 hrs away) and don't know of anyone to ask. Again, I've searched the internet, my family dr doesn't know of anyone. He can send me to someone but he doesn't have first hand information about the dr. Any advice?

I probably didn't make myself clear about the internet. I was referring to the fact that I can find a bunch of dr on the internet but I want reviews. lol I found 5-7 drs that are on my plan but I don't know anything about them. Yes, they have a great webpage but I would rather read reviews. Thanks

Thanks a lot. The link you gave me helped a lot. The first thing I did was search this site for Georgia and Atlanta. Some things came up but not really about doctors. (a few) Thanks again.

Do they take the band off or is it something you have to always have even with keeping the weight off? I'm just curious if 3 years down the road you still have to have it.

from your family dr to the surgeon. My family dr will be referring me to a sugeon Monday but how long does the process take? Thanks

I guess I should have said after the surgery when I'm getting the fills.

Wow, I did not know that. Thanks for the information. I just got back(literally 5 mins ago) and my family dr gave me his FULL support for the surgery. My class will December 9th and I know I will find out everything but for right now I am just curious. My dr did ask me if the skin grows around the band and if so what about in the future with that causing problems. I would have never thought of that question.

Thank so much for responding. I had also asked previously if the band was for life once you sustain the weight loss?

I know my ins co will cover the cost of lap band and I meet the BMI and I have diabetes but I only(well not only but you know what I mean I hope) 75-80 lbs to lose. I wonder if they will deny me for that reason. Anyone else have approx 75 pounds to lose and the ins. paid for it?

I'm going to use Dr. Proctor. I would like to use Dr. Champion but he isn't on the list for approval.

Also, I was thinking I need to do the surgery ASAP because the girl from the ins co. mentioned they are probably going to change their policy on the surgery in the near future.

I guess because I have to drive 3 hours each time I was wishful thinking . Also, I have been so many test in the last 3 months due to my diabetes that I thought they could probably use those test. Anyways, thanks for the reminder to slooooooow down.

Gosh, I guess I'm surprised. I didn't realize it would take at least four months. Thanks for replying.

I just found out today that BCBS will pay for the surgery. I am shocked. I am starting the process Monday.

I'm in Middle Georgia.

I just found out from my insurance company that I do have coverage. Hallalulah BUT the representative that I spoke to said we don't cover a bariatric dr so you would have to find out another type of physician who does it. Well that lost me. She said some cardiologist perform the surgery. Anyways, what type of dr would I look under or search for on the web? Thanks

I called back and someone else said a general surgeon but my gosh do you know how many hundreds of general surgeons there are to call in my area. I looked under lap band but they all come back to bariactric and that won't work.

Thanks Lisa It's nice to know that a binge eater can recover. Sandra

Thanks so much everyone. I appreciate it.